The Bett Nordeste Conference kicked off today in Recife (PE), a traveling event organized by Bett Brasil, the organizer of the largest Innovation and Technology for Education event in Latin America. In this edition, the conference invites educators, school administrators, and managers of public and private K-12 institutions to engage in a deeper discussion on two topics that have been impacting daily life in schools across the country: Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence.

At the event’s opening, Recife’s Secretary of Education, Fred Amancio, highlighted the relevance of the central theme chosen for the event: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Education: What Should We Learn?” The secretary noted that, in recent years, the debate over the use of technology in education has intensified, especially with the growing integration of these tools in schools. “Before the pandemic, there was a major debate about whether technology would replace teachers or school activities. But we have always understood that technology is a crucial tool for student learning, and today, this has evolved into something much bigger,” he explained.

The secretary also emphasized that the pandemic underscored the importance of technology in education, enabling remote learning and the continuation of school activities. “It was during the pandemic that we truly understood that, no matter how much technology is used, it will never replace the importance of relationships, which are fundamental to learning,” he said. He emphasized that education involves not only the teacher-student relationship but also interactions among teachers and among students themselves. “Education is made up of people and relationships, and that is something technology cannot replace,” he said.

Amancio highlighted the importance of the Bett Nordeste Conference in bringing together the topics of AI and emotional intelligence. “These are probably the two topics that bring the most innovation to our educational environment,” he said. He explained that while technology and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing education, the debate on emotional intelligence—though not new—continues to gain relevance, especially regarding the development of students’ social-emotional skills.

"We know how much social-emotional skills impact the development of our children and young people, not only for their professional future but for their lives as a whole," he said. He noted that the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) already incorporates the development of these skills as a fundamental part of students' education.

For Amancio, discussing these issues at events such as the Bett Nordeste Conference is a crucial step toward advancing the pursuit of quality and equitable education, in both public and private schools. “Our children and young people are not just the future of our country—they are the present. We need to invest in them now, because it is this transformation that begins today that will shape the future we desire,” he concluded.

Higher-quality public policies

During her remarks at the opening of the Bett Nordeste Conference, the president of the Union of Municipal Education Directors of Pernambuco (Undime-PE), Andreika Asseker Amarante, emphasized the need for higher-quality public policies. “We have to develop high-quality public policies and provide more incentives to get where we want to go. The focus is on our students, and we need to ensure they learn more, develop better, and have access to everything every individual needs socially. We need to present solutions so that we can provide the higher-quality education we so desire,” she said.

Also present at the event’s opening ceremony, José Ricardo Diniz, president of the Private Schools Union (SINEPE-PE), emphasized the importance of bringing the Bett Conference—a nationally recognized event under the Bett Brasil brand—to the capital of Pernambuco, as well as the desire to establish an annual gathering in Recife to foster dialogue on public and private education. “For us, education knows no boundaries,” he emphasized.

In addressing the event’s central themes—Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence—Diniz was emphatic in stating that people should not be afraid of these innovations. “Many people ask what it will be like when AI comes to schools. It’s already here; it’s already in our schools—for better or for worse, because everything has two sides,” he noted.

For Diniz, education—through schools—is a space for learning and social interaction where it is essential to encourage reflection and the development of critical thinking. “We are living in a time when people take one side or the other. I do not accept this logic at all,” he said. He argued that students’ minds should be open to thinking critically and independently, rather than simply repeating behaviors. “How about we limit screen time and focus instead on social interaction, the development of critical thinking, and the autonomy of our children and teenagers?” he suggested.

While acknowledging the importance of artificial intelligence, Diniz pointed out that, in education, the primary focus must always be on people. “Artificial intelligence, yes—we can’t deny the progress it brings. But we’re dealing with people, and people are different,” he concluded.

Claudia Valério, executive director of Bett Brasil, thanked the conference attendees, visitors, partners, supporters, and companies participating in this edition of the Bett Nordeste Conference. “We have a very rich program that was carefully designed to prompt important reflections on education. We’ll have two days of content focused on current issues and the challenges we face, featuring experts who will address the various implications of Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence,” she said.

According to Claudia, the goal of the traveling event is to bring the debate on education to all parts of Brazil and to give educators greater access to everything that helps transform education.

The Bett Nordeste Conference continues through tomorrow (5) at the Recife Expo Center. Admission is free, and visitors can register on-site.

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